Speakers & Moderators
Deepak Adhikari
Monash University, Australia
Speaker
Talk Title: Oocyte mitochondria: Key regulators of oocyte and ovary development
Description: Oocyte growth is associated with a massive biogenesis of mitochondria, mitochondrial health is a key determinant of oocyte and embryo quality. I will discuss how oocyte mitochondrial dysfunctions are linked to ovary development and female fertility.
The Mighty Mitochondrion: Cell Powerhouse and Beyond
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, PhD
University of Chicago, USA
Moderator
Environmental toxins and Uterine Fibroids
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Mohamed Ali, PhD
University of Chicago, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: At-risk myometrial stem cells response to phthalate exposures using a novel 3D organoid model
Description:
Will highlight the utility of myometrial stem cell (MMSC)-derived 3D organoid model that we established in our lab to distinguish the high- vs. low-risk settings of MMSCs, which are the cell origin of UFs. We assessed the impact of phthalates metabolites on extracellular matrix transduction, oxidative stress and inflammation pathways, which are hallmark for uterine fibroid pathogenesis using several approaches such as RNA-seq, cytokine array and organoid imaging to determine the genetic and epigenetic signatures contributing to the increased risk of UFs induced by phthalate/metabolite exposures.
Environmental toxins and Uterine Fibroids
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Beth Allison, PhD
Monash University, Australia
Speaker
Talk Title: Fetal cerebrovascular implication of fetal growth restriction
Description:
Controlling cerebrovascular tone is a crucial aspect of the brain's response to chronic hypoxia, known as the brain sparing response. However, it's important to note that despite this protective mechanism, the brain remains vulnerable to neurodevelopmental issues associated with fetal growth restriction. Research has shown that prolonged brain sparing can lead to adverse effects, including cerebrovascular remodelling, diminished cerebral vasoreactivity and an elevated risk of neurodevelopmental dysfunction. This presentation will delve into the pathogenesis of brain sparing in the cerebrovascular system and shed light on the functional consequences of fetal growth restriction on cerebral blood vessels, examining their capacity to withstand additional challenges such as birth asphyxia.
Brain Health Across the Lifespan: Effects of Adverse Pregnancy
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Michelle Baack, MD
University of South Dakota - Sanford School of Medicine, USA
Moderator
The Mighty Mitochondrion: Cell Powerhouse and Beyond
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Richelle Duque Björvang, MD, PhD
Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Speaker
Talk Title: Effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on female reproductive health
Description: This talk will highlight how pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkyl substances, flame retardants, and phthalates are associated with female infertility, time-to-pregnancy, ovarian reserve and other female reproductive outcomes. It will also cover possible mechanisms behind these associations.
Environmental toxins and Uterine Fibroids
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Charles Bormann, PhD
Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: Application of Artificial Intelligence in the IVF Laboratory
Description:
“Application of Artificial Intelligence in the IVF Laboratory," explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning algorithms in the field of in vitro fertilization (IVF). It focuses on how AI has been applied to improve various processes in the IVF laboratory, including oocyte quality assessment, sperm selection, fertilization assessment, embryo assessment, ploidy prediction, embryo transfer selection, and more. This lecture highlights AI's potential in enhancing clinical outcomes and laboratory efficiency in the rapidly growing field of assisted reproductive technologies
Artificial Intelligence in Reproductive Sciences
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Ana Boskovic, PhD
EMBL Rome
Speaker
Talk Title: tRNA fragments – transferring information between generations
Description:
The phenomenon of intergenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals is gaining a lot of attention, as it postulates that parental exposures can influence offspring developmental phenotypes and propensity of disease risk in the next generation. Using our paternal Low Protein diet paradigm, we uncover an unexpected role for 5’tRF-GG – a sperm-borne, diet-modulated small RNA – in regulation of early embryonic transcription and chromatin organization. We uncover the first mechanistic details underpinning paternal contribution to offspring phenotypes and are currently dissecting the molecular details of how adult phenotypes emerge from transient gene expression changes immediately after fertilization.
Don't Forget Dad! - Paternal Influence on Disease Programming
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Serdar Bulun, MD
Northwestern University, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: Genetics, environment and uterine fibroids
Description: Somatic mutations and ovarian hormones are essential for the development and further growth of uterine fibroids. Now, we also find that the exposure to environmental pollutants may also play a significant role. This presentation will provide an example of an interaction between genetics and the environment.
Environmental toxins and Uterine Fibroids
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Irina Burd, MD, PhD
University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: Therapeutic targets for perinatal brain injury
Description: There are prenatal and postnatal opportunities for diagnosis and treatment of perinatal brain injury.
Understanding pathways involved in fetal brain formation and how prenatal exposures affect them is our top priority.
Brain Health Across the Lifespan: Effects of Adverse Pregnancy
Thursday, March 14 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Mini Symposia I
Isabella Caniggia, MD, PhD
University of Toronto, Canada
Speaker
Talk Title: Small but powerful messengers: The contribution of placental small extracellular vesicles to maternal mitochondrial homeostasis in preeclampsia.
Description: Altered oxygen and iron interplay in the placenta from preeclamptic pregnancies affects mitochondrial homeostasis and induce the release of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) with harmful cargo. Circulating maternal sEVs of placental origin affect mitochondrial dynamics of maternal target cells in preeclampsia.
The Mighty Mitochondrion: Cell Powerhouse and Beyond
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Shawn Chavez, PhD
Oregon Health & Science University, USA
Moderator
Don't Forget Mum! - Adverse Pregnancy and Maternal Health Risk
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Qi Chen, MD, PhD
University of Utah School of Medicine, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: Understanding the ‘sperm RNA code’ for epigenetic inheritance with emerging tools
Description:
Emerging evidence showed that paternally acquired phenotypes (e.g., metabolic disorders) from environmental stressors can be memorized by sperm beyond DNA sequence, encoded in the form of sperm RNAs and RNA modifications as a 'sperm RNA code'. We use novel tools to decode this 'sperm RNA code' and explore how such a code confers paternal phenotypes to the offspring by shaping early embryo development.
Don't Forget Dad! - Paternal Influence on Disease Programming
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Marilyn Cipolla, PhD
University of Vermont, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: Maternal brain risk in adverse pregnancy
Description: This talk will present underlying mechanisms of how the maternal brain adapts to normal pregnancy that leads to protection against neurological complications but are lost during adverse pregnancy, leading to risk of stroke and seizure. In addition, long term consequences of adverse pregnancy, including preeclampsia and eclampsia, on the maternal brain and cerebral circulation that leads to early-onset cognitive decline will also be presented.
Brain Health Across the Lifespan: Effects of Adverse Pregnancy
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Mini Symposia I
Hugh Clarke, PhD
McGill University, Canada
Speaker
Talk Title: Intercellular Communication in the Ovarian Follicle: Strategies and Tools
Description:
The development of a healthy oocyte requires on-going contact and communication with the somatic cells that enclose it within the ovarian follicle. I will discuss how tunneling structures that mediate this essential germ-soma contact become established and functional during oocyte growth and later are disassembled at ovulation to permit fertilization.
Nanotubes in Reproduction
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Emily Cornish, BA BMBCh DTM&H MRCOG
University College of London, United Kingdom
Moderator
Brain Health Across the Lifespan: Effects of Adverse Pregnancy
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Sandra Davidge, PhD, FCAHS, FRSC
University of Alberta - Women and Children's Health Research Inst.
Canada
Moderator
Don't Forget Mum! - Adverse Pregnancy and Maternal Health Risk
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Laura Dearden, PhD
University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Speaker
Talk Title: The impact of obesity in pregnancy on offspring hypothalamic feeding pathways.
Description: I will discuss our research showing a novel pathway by which exposure to maternal obesity in the perinatal period programs permanent changes to nutrient sensing circuits in the offspring hypothalamus, resulting in increased intake of high fat foods and the development of obesity later in life.
Brain Health Across the Lifespan: Effects of Adverse Pregnancy
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Sarah England, PhD
Washington University in St. Louis - School of Medicine, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: Timing and Pregnancy Outcomes
Description: Daily rhythms generated by endogenous circadian mechanisms and synchronized to the light-dark cycle have been implicated in the timing of birth in a wide variety of species. This work will describe how disruptions in daily rhythms (chronodisruption) alter pregnancy outcomes.
Circadian Rhythmicity and Lifelong Health
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Johan Eriksson, MD
National University of Singapore, Singapore
Speaker
Talk Title: Maternal metabolic and mental health and offspring health and development – translation of research findings into interventions and policy.
Description:
Research findings from the mother-child cohort GUSTO will be described in relation to both maternal metabolic and mental health during pregnancy and their impact on offspring health. The implementation and translation of these research findings into policy and intervention studies will be described.
Interventions to Support Healthy Life Trajectories in Humans
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Thomas Erren, MD, MPH
University of Cologne, Germany
Speaker
Talk Title: Perinatal time cues and potential acute and long-term health effects
Description: This talk explores first studies into PLICCS (can Perinatal Light Imprinting of Circadian Clocks and Systems lead to long-term health effects?) and reviews 56 studies concerning potential chronobiological effects in NCUs (can circadian time cues in Neonatal Care Units reduce acute adverse health effects?).
Circadian Rhythmicity and Lifelong Health
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Juan Gnecco, PhD
Tufts University, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: Tissue engineering the endometriotic phenotype using organoid systems
Description:
Endometriosis remains one of the most poorly understood gynecological disorders due to a lack of humanized models that dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to disease pathogenesis. We discuss the use of a recently developed synthetic biomaterials as a platform to study endometrial organoids and how these are used to model the endometriotic phenotype.
Next Generation Biomaterials for Reproductive Research
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Angela Goncalves, PhD
DKFZ German Cancer Research Center, Germany
Speaker
Talk Title: Menstrual fluid for the study of endometrial biology
Description: Menstrual fluid contains millions of live endometrial cells of high biomedical value. In this talk I will dissect the cellular composition of menstrual fluid using single-cell transcriptomics, the culturing of menstrual fluid cells, and discuss advantages and limitations of in vitro models for the study of pregnancy and aging.
Next Generation Biomaterials for Reproductive Research
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Stella Goulopoulou, PhD
Loma Linda University, USA
Moderator & Speaker
Talk Title: Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA in preeclampsia: pathogenic trigger or marker of stress?
Description:
Presence of cell-free mitochondrial DNA in the blood indicate cellular stress and initiate immune responses and inflammation. This talk will address the role of cell-free mitochondrial DNA in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia presenting data from studies in humans and experimental models.
The Mighty Mitochondrion: Cell Powerhouse and Beyond
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Murilo Graton, PhD
University of Alberta, Canada
Moderator
Artificial Intelligence in Reproductive Sciences
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Bin Gu, PhD
Michigan State University, USA
Moderator
Advanced Imaging: Connecting Biophysics with Reproduction
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Jacob Hanna, MD, PhD
Weitzmann Institute of Science, Israel
Speaker
Talk Title: Synthetic Ex Utero Embryogenesis: from Naive Stem Cells to Complete Embryo Models
Description:
The identity of somatic and pluripotent cells can be epigenetically reprogrammed and forced to adapt a new functional cell state by different methods and distinct combinations of exogenous factors. The aspiration to utilize such in vitro reprogrammed pluripotent and somatic cells for therapeutic purposes necessitates understanding of the mechanisms of reprogramming and differentiation and elucidating the extent of equivalence of the in vitro derived cells to their in vivo counterparts. In my presentation, I will present my group’s recent advances toward understanding these fundamental questions and further detail our ongoing efforts to generate developmentally unrestricted human naive pluripotent cells with embryonic and extra-embryonic developmental potential. I will expand on new avenues for utilizing custom made electronically controlled ex utero platforms and optimized conditions for growing natural mammalian embryos ex utero for extended periods capturing development from pre-gastrulation until advanced organogenesis, for better studying of stem cell transitions during embryogenesis and organogenesis. I will detail how the latter platforms offered an exclusive technical platform to demonstrate and unleash the self-organizing capacity of mouse naïve PSCs to generate post-gastrulation synthetic Bona Fide and organ-filled, synthetic embryo models with both embryonic and extraembryonic compartment ex utero, as well as our ability to extend these findings with naïve human PSCs and generate complete structured day 14 human embryo models. Collectively, I will be highlighting prospects for new platforms for advancing human disease and developmental modelling.
Cutting Edge Technologies in Reproduction
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Shannon Hawkins, MD, PHD
Indiana University School of Medicine, USA
Moderator
Environmental toxins and Uterine Fibroids
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Bethany Hedt-Gauthier, PhD
Harvard Medical School, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: The power and pitfalls of AI in global reproductive health
Description: Individuals seeking maternal or reproductive health services in resource limited settings face unique challenges. AI-driven solutions are providing innovative strategies to address these gaps, but, if used carelessly, can further exasperate inequities. This talk will highlight some ongoing opportunities and potential problems for AI in maternal and reproductive global health.
Artificial Intelligence in Reproductive Sciences
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Bo Jacobsson, MD, PhD
Sahlgrenska University Hospital/University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Panelist
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Forum: Addressing Health Equity Across Geographic and Reproductive Health Perspectives
Room: Meeting Room 1
Friday, March 15, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Moderator
Circadian Rhythmicity and Lifelong Health
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Juanita Jellyman, PhD
California State Polytechnic University at Pomona, USA
Moderator
Circadian Rhythmicity and Lifelong Health
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Jose C. Jimenez-Chillarón, PhD
University of Barcelona, Spain
Speaker
Talk Title: Intergenerational inheritance of obesity and hepatic steatosis: The role of germline microRNAs
Description:
• Parental health strongly influences offspring disease risk.
• Specifically, paternal obesity increases the risk of obesity, and hepatic steatosis.
• Paternal inheritance of metabolic disease risk is largely attributed to nongenetic mechanisms. Namely, germline epigenetic mechanism.
• We have identified that small non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, TRFs) may mediate the risk of developing obesity-hepatic steatosis in a mouse model of obesity.
Don't Forget Dad! - Paternal Influence on Disease Programming
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Amanda Kallen, MD
University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, USA
Moderator
Next Generation Biomaterials for Reproductive Research
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
John Kingdom, MD
Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
Moderator & Speaker
Talk Title: Prenatal Diagnosis of Human Placental Diseases: integration of imaging methods and Placenta Growth Factor (PlGF)
Description:
Striving to determine a specific placental pathology diagnosis in-vivo, rather than following delivery, has many potential advantages, especially for pregnancy management and mitigation against the maternal and fetal consequences of "placental insufficiency" This may be approached via multi-multimodal ultrasound and circulating biomarkers sich as PlGF, and may be augmented by MR imaging methods.
Advanced Imaging: Connecting Biophysics with Reproduction
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Vesela P. Kovacheva, MD PhD
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, United States
Speaker
Talk Title: Decoding Preeclampsia: AI Technologies to Predict Maternal Risk
Artificial Intelligence in Reproductive Sciences
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Bernardo Krause, PhD
Universidad de O'Higgins, Chile
Moderator
Don't Forget Dad! - Paternal Influence on Disease Programming
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Janine LaSalle, PhD
University of California-Davis, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: Sexual dimorphism and imprinting in circadian entrainment of metabolism and behavior
Description:
Circadian entrainment is the ability of mammals to adapt to a new time zone or lighting environment by altering expression of rhythmic genes. To explore the role of the imprinted noncoding gene Snord116 in orchestrating circadian entrainment, we entrained wild-type, Snord116 deletion, Snord116 overexpressing, and compensation mice to either 11:11 or 12:12 hours of light:dark for three weeks and examined metabolism, running wheel activity, and gene expression in the frontal cortex. Snord116 was required for the adaptive changes of entrainment on gene expression. Interestingly, females adapted to new light cycle by changing their metabolism to become less diurnal, while males adapted by decreasing their activity.
Circadian Rhythmicity and Lifelong Health
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Joop S.E. Laven, MD, PhD
Erasmus University MC, Netherlands
Moderator
Cutting Edge Technologies in Reproduction
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Christoph Lees, MD, FRCOG
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
Speaker
Talk Title: High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for twin-twin transfusion syndrome: challenges and successes
Description:
High intensity focused ultrasound has been used in oncology however its attributes lend it uniquely to non invasive treatments in fetal medicine where invasive treatment may be risky. In twin-twin transfusion syndrome, a complication unique to monochorionic twin pregnancy leading to miscarriage and premature delivery, safe targeting of tiny placental blood conduits can be achieved and could be a game changing therapy
Advanced Imaging: Connecting Biophysics with Reproduction
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Mathew Leonardi, MD, PhD, FRCSC
McMaster University, Canada
Speaker
Talk Title: Enhancing Endometriosis Imaging to Enhance Clinical and Surgical Care
Description:
Updating latest innovations in imaging with a focus on first-line tool ultrasound to diagnose and map endometriosis.Ensuring a clear understanding how diagnosis and mapping positively impacts the patient experience and clinical decision-making and surgical planning
Advanced Imaging: Connecting Biophysics with Reproduction
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Emil Lou MD, PhD, FACP
University of Minnesota, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: Cellular networking via tunneling nanotubes in ovarian cancer
Description:
Intercellular communication play a crucial role in shaping tumor heterogeneity in a spectrum of invasive and aggressive solid tumor malignancies, including ovarian cancer. This presentation will focus on the role of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), long cellular protrusions that act as skyways to create cellular networks for communication and coordination, in this process, resulting in tumor-stroma cross talk in the complex and heterogeneous ovarian tumor microenvironment.
Nanotubes in Reproduction
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Steve Lye, PhD
University of Toronto - Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Canada
Moderator
Nanotubes in Reproduction
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Shruthi Mahalingaiah, MD, MS
Harvard Medical School, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: Designing Digital Interventions to reduce Lifecourse Risk among Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Description: his talk will discuss the patient experience with PCOS from time to diagnosis, interventions across lifestages, and risk trajectories across lifestages. I will then overlay considerations of digital interventions for each lifestage, some now in development for assisting in risk reduction and health optimization for patients with PCOS.
Interventions to Support Healthy Life Trajectories in Humans
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Chiara Mando, PhD
Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
Moderator
Interventions to Support Healthy Life Trajectories in Humans
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Peter Mark, PhD
University of Western Australia, Australia
Speaker
Talk Title: Circadian rhythms in the placenta
Description:
The talk will focus on clock gene expression in the placenta across species, including establishment of potentially coordinated rhythmicity. It will also investigate changes to placental rhythmicity induced by maternal obesity, which lead to detrimental fetal outcomes.
Circadian Rhythmicity and Lifelong Health
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Aymara Mas, PhD
Carlos Simón Foundation. INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Spain
Speaker
Talk Title: AI-based tools for prediction of myometrial tumors
Description:
The diagnosis of myometrial tumors relies on symptoms, imaging, and uterine histology; however, none of these methods are accurate enough for differentiation. AI can be used to differentially predict benign and malignant myometrial tumors.
Artificial Intelligence in Reproductive Sciences
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Steve Matthews, PhD
University of Toronto, Canada
Speaker
Talk Title: Glucocorticoids, the Epididymis and Transgenerational Transmission
Description:
Glucocorticoids lead to transgenerational effects on cardiometabolic and neurologic outcomes. These effects occur via maternal and paternal transmission. This talk will focus on the mechanisms of paternal transmission, with a focus on the epididymis and miRNA transfer to sperm
Don't Forget Dad! - Paternal Influence on Disease Programming
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Janna Morrison, PhD
University of South Australia, Australia
Speaker
Talk Title: Placental and fetal MRI in detecting fetal growth restriction
Description:
Prof Morrisons research focusses on how the fetal cardiovascular system responds to changes in nutrient supply during pregnancy, using MRI to study blood flow and oxygenation in preclinical models of fetal growth restriction. Her work in the field of fetal physiology, where she is pioneering the use of MRI to detect the cardiovascular effects of fetal growth restriction with the goal of improving heart health across the lifespan.
Advanced Imaging: Connecting Biophysics with Reproduction
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Lubna Nadeem, PhD
University of Toronto, Canada
Speaker
Talk Title: Tunneling nanotubes: Macrophage-Myocyte communication and cargo transport in pregnant uterus
Description:
I will discuss the unique role played by tunneling nanotubes mediated communication between macrophages and uterine myocytes, and its influence on the timing of labor onset. Specifically, I will present our recent findings on how this intercellular communication mediates functional progesterone withdrawal in uterine myocytes, which can lead to the premature activation of the quiescent myometrium and ultimately resulting in preterm labor.
Nanotubes in Reproduction
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Shane Norris, PhD
University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Speaker
Talk Title: Revolutionising maternal and newborn care in Africa: Pathways for a healthier future
Description: Maternal and newborn health remains a critical health burden in Africa. The aim of the presentation is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and future directions exploring a range of innovative interventions designed to enhance care and outcomes in Africa. Specifically examining the unique challenges faced by healthcare systems in South Africa and strategies that may help improve health indicators. For example, the integration of traditional and modern medical practices, the role of community health workers, and the implementation of health technologies to improve care. Also, collaborative efforts between government, NGOs, and local communities to create sustainable health improvements.
Interventions to Support Healthy Life Trajectories in Humans
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Speaker
Reproductive Health Sciences: A Global Perspective
Lunch & Learn
Thursday, March 14, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Michelle L. Oyen, PhD
Washington University in St Louis, USA
Moderator & Speaker
Talk Title: Decidua-mimicking hydrogels for the study of trophoblast invasion
Description:
In order to understand foundational steps in pregnancy, such as embryo implantation and early placental development, that are otherwise impossible to view, novel in vitro approaches are needed. Biomaterials science, grounded in biomedical engineering, includes techniques for making novel materials that are biologically mimicking in both structure and composition and suited for ex vivo studies of three-dimensional cell-matrix interactions.
Next Generation Biomaterials for Reproductive Research
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Sue Ozanne, PhD
University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Speaker
Talk Title: Interventions during obese pregnancy: opportunities to improve maternal as well as offspring health
Description: In many settings over half of women are either overweight or living with obesity during pregnancy. This has major implications for both maternal and offspring health. To date much focus has been directed towards the effects of interventions during pregnancy on offspring health. This talk will highlight that interventions during obese pregnancy not only have the potential to improve offspring health, but also is a window of opportunity to improve maternal health.
Don't Forget Mum! - Adverse Pregnancy and Maternal Health Risk
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
William Pearce, PhD
Loma Linda University, USA
Moderator
Brain Health Across the Lifespan: Effects of Adverse Pregnancy
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Sophie Petropoulos, PhD
Karolinska Institutet, CRCHUM and University of Montreal, Canada
Moderator & Speaker
Talk Title: Single-cell genomics in reproduction and development
Description: This talk will focus on how single-cell genomics has catapulted our understanding of early human embryogenesis, highlighting new insights pertaining to the molecular understanding of blastocyst formation and lineage specification.
Cutting Edge Technologies in Reproduction
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Lucilla Poston CBE
Kings College London, United Kingdom
Speaker
Talk Title: Maternal Obesity; Consequences for Cardiac Function in the Child
Description:
Pregnancies affected by maternal obesity are acutely associated with heightened risk of complications for mother, fetus and neonate, but increasing evidence suggests a prolonged and deleterious effect on the developing fetal heart with longer term consequences for cardiac function and even early mortality. This talk will reflect on the evidence accrued from studies in women and their children, and suggested strategies for prevention.
Interventions to Support Healthy Life Trajectories in Humans
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Aleksandar Rajkovic, MD, PhD
UCSF, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: The Reproductive Journey: Genetic Underpinnings from Preconception to Early Pregnancy
Description: The presentation by Aleksandar Rajkovic at the University of California, San Francisco, delves into the genetic factors influencing reproductive health, covering a range from preconception care, including the impact of various health and environmental factors, to the role of genetics in infertility, implantation, and early pregnancy loss. It highlights advancements in genetic screening and the importance of understanding genetic variations and their implications on fertility and early developmental stages.
Cutting Edge Technologies in Reproduction
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Rebecca Reynolds, PhD, FRCP, FRCPE
University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Speaker
Talk Title: Towards a precision medicine approach for management of GDM
Description: I will discuss the work of the ADA/EASD consortium with outputs of the systematic reviews for GDM precision prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment and the recommendations from this research
Don't Forget Mum! - Adverse Pregnancy and Maternal Health Risk
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Bas van Rijn, MD, PhD
TU Eindhoven & Erasmus MC, The Netherlands
Moderator
Artificial Intelligence in Reproductive Sciences
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Claire Roberts, PhD
Flinders University, Australia
Speaker
Talk Title: Maternal cardiometabolic health following pregnancy complications in women living with socioeconomic disadvantage
Description:
This presentation starts with the premise that pregnancy complications foreshadow future cardiometabolic chronic disease in both mother and child. I will explore data from our large pregnancy cohorts on maternal metabolic syndrome in early gestation, its relationships with pregnancy complications and its persistence in the months and years postpartum. Finally, I will present the results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on long term health.
Don't Forget Mum! - Adverse Pregnancy and Maternal Health Risk
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Roger Smith, AM, MBBS, FRACP, PhD
University of Newcastle NSW, Australia
Speaker
Talk Title: Targeted Nanoliposome Therapy in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Description:
Targeted Nanoliposomes promise greater efficacy with reduced off-target effects in treating obstetric conditions such as preterm labor and gynecological problems such as ovarian cancer. To realise these promises we need to overcome reticuloendothelial clearance, and engineer particles that can cross the endothelial barrier and avoid endosomal degradation.
Next Generation Biomaterials for Reproductive Research
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Floor Spaans, PhD
University of Alberta, Canada
Speaker
Talk Title: Mechanisms for impaired cardiovascular outcomes following preeclampsia - evidence from animal studies.
Description:
Women with preeclampsia are at high risk of cardiovascular disease later in life, however the mechanisms are not fully understood. I will provide a short background on the impact of preeclampsia on later life cardiovascular health, and present mechanisms identified in animal models in order to develop precise intervention strategies to improve outcomes.
Don't Forget Mum! - Adverse Pregnancy and Maternal Health Risk
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Justin St John, PhD
University of Adelaide, Australia
Speaker
Talk Title: Oocyte mtDNA supplementation and developmental outcome
Description:
Mitochondrial DNA supplementation is being used by some ART clinics, however, its safety and efficacy have not been tested in depth. Using the pig as a model, we have carried out comprehensive physiological, biochemical and molecular analyses in offspring generated through this approach and in a subsequent generation; and started to unravel the mechanisms involved.
The Mighty Mitochondrion: Cell Powerhouse and Beyond
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Elisabet Stener-Victorin, PhD
Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Speaker
Talk Title: Navigating PCOS Complexities through Cutting-Edge Methods and Technologies
Description:
The presentation will explore possible genetic and epigenetic inheritance of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in humans and mice, and the use of single-cell genomics to define disease-specific transcriptomic signatures in key target tissues of women with PCOS.
Cutting Edge Technologies in Reproduction
Mini Symposia II
Friday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Kent Thornburg, PhD
Oregon Health & Science University, USA
Moderator
Interventions to Support Healthy Life Trajectories in Humans
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Saraswathi Vedam, PhD RM FACNM Sci D(hc)
Birth Place Lab &
University of British Columbia, Canada
Panelist
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Forum: Addressing Health Equity Across Geographic and Reproductive Health Perspectives
Friday, March 15, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Shannon Whirledge, PhD, MHS
Yale School of Medicine, USA
Moderator
Nanotubes in Reproduction
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Ami Zota, ScD
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, USA
Speaker
Talk Title: Using the intersectionality exposome to advance racial equity in uterine leiomyoma
Description: Dr. Zota will discuss social and structural determinants of phthalates and other environmental exposures, and their impacts on uterine fibroid outcomes among systematically marginalized populations.
Environmental toxins and Uterine Fibroids
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Chiara Zurzolo, MD, PhD
Institut Pasteur, France
Speaker
Talk Title: Reshaping connectivity and role in the spreading of neurodegenerative diseases.
Nanotubes in Reproduction
Mini Symposia I
Thursday, March 14, 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.